Stores offer Christmas shopping opportunities

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

By Julia Kilmer reporter@cassville-democrat.com

Open House event, Christmas Extravaganza to offer deals

On Saturday, Barry County residents will have a prime opportunity to get a head start on their Christmas shopping at two local, special shopping events offering unique items and rare promotions and savings without having to drive an hour to retail store chains.

Holiday Open House

Multiple Cassville stores will be participating in the Holiday Open House event, offering special bargains and promotions. Select stores in Cassville and in the downtown area will be offering drawings for door prizes, percentages off purchases at the register, free gifts and refreshments.

Tomblin's Jewelry & Gifts, which has been in business locally for 50 years, established the annual customer appreciation event nearly 30 years ago, which has become a traditional shopping extravaganza for local businesses and residents.

Owner Chloe Epperly said shopping locally for Christmas items helps support local businesses and one's community, and saves residents considerable time and money.

"It's easy to get on Amazon.com or go to Rogers, Ark., but the customer service is here, and when you see so many small businesses go under, Cassville's been very fortunate to keep going," she said. "We appreciate those who check here first before they go out of town. We try to have a little for everybody, and keep a good price range."

Cindy Ray, buyer for Whitley's, which will also be participating in the event, along with many other local retail venues, agrees that shoppers can find items for every budget during the event.

"If they need a $10 or $100 gift, they can find it here," she said. "There are price ranges for everyone."

People can check with merchants for participation and any respective promotions.

Christmas Shopping Extravaganza

Jennifer Privett will be hosting a rare holiday shopping opportunity the same day with the Christmas Shopping Extravaganza, which will be held at the Cassville Masonic Lodge building, located at 210 W. 18th Street, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

More than 20 different direct sales and hand-crafted vendors will be on hand at the indoor-outdoor event offering great bargains to help residents fulfill their Christmas shopping lists early, and again without ever leaving town.

Refreshments will be served at the event, and there will be photo opportunities for children with Santa.

Privett, who works as the city's court administrator and will be a featured vendor as well, started the event about five years ago as an opportunity for shoppers and home-based vendors to benefit.

"There will be a variety of vendors there," Privett said. "I have my own business called Diva Bling by Jenn, so I organized the event to give home-based businesses a venue to feature their items as well as an outlet for residents to Christmas shop."

For more information, about the event or to be a vendor, call Privett at 417-847-6736. Vendor fees are $15 for an outdoor booth; $25 indoor.